2016 World Rowing Cup I - Varese, ITA

Alvaro Romero Garcia (ESP)

Rising Star – January 2015

Spain’s Alvaro Romero Garcia just recently turned 20. He took part in his first World Rowing regatta three years ago and won silver at the 2011 World Rowing Junior Championships in the men’s pair. In 2013, he switched to lightweight rowing when he moved up to under-23 level. At the 2014 World Rowing Under 23 Championships he became a world champion in the lightweight men’s four.

For these reasons, World Rowing has identified Romero Garcia as a Rising Star.

If I wasn’t rowing, my sport would be… soccer. I feel a real passion for it.

I row because… my parents and brother were rowers. I have always been surrounded by rowing life.

I like sweep rowing because… I feel more effective than in sculling and think I can achieve a higher performance.

My favourite training session is… The weights in the gym, because I share responsibility with my teammates.

Before a race, I always… concentrate on sharing with my crewmates to make sure everything will go well, according to our strategy.

When I am not rowing… I am with my friends, listening to music.

I am studying… to become a Physical Education Technician. I am in my second year.

The rowing athlete/crew I am most a fan of at the moment is… the New Zealand’s men’s pair but I also admire the Danish lightweight men’s four for their long career, perseverance and leadership.

My favourite food is… steak coated in breadcrumbs with sugar.

My favourite music is… the electronic house music style.

My non-rowing friends think I’m…crazy, that I train too much and spend a lot of free time on this sport.

In ten years’ time I will… become an Olympic rower and get a medal for my country.